Pride in Care Many older LGBTQ+ people have
experienced abuse and homophobia within the care sector and are reluctant to rely on care when it comes to living the final chapter of their lives. In 2020, we teamed up with Tonic and Stonewall Housing to better understand the requirements for housing, care, and support for older LGBTQ+ people. In our report, Building Safe Choices 2020, we showed that 56 per cent would like to live in a LGBT+ specific provision and 23 per cent in an LGBT accredited one, showing that most people want to live with their own community or in a place that fully understands them. One of our members expressed his concerns about his living situation: “The main thing is, you want to feel safe and secure, even if you have your own flat you have to share entrances and hallways. It’s ok if your neighbours are LGBT+ friendly and accepting. I always worry if there are new neighbours moving in.”
According to our research: ‘In the UK, despite the Equality Act (2010), as well as more positive social attitudes towards LGBT+ people compared to the past, many LGBT+ people over fifty years of age remain wary of housing and care service providers and how they will be able to manage their needs in the future. Trust is a key issue – many older LGBT+ people are sceptical that those providing housing, care, and support will be inclusive of them and that they will be treated with dignity and respect. Additionally, existing research highlights how diverse older LGBT+ communities are – not all older LGBT+ people will want, need, or have access to the same services; yet there currently is little choice.’
Pride in Care
With our Pride in Care quality standard, we guide care providers and others working closely with LGBTQ+ people over 50 in a process of assessment, training, and self-
Laura Benin
Laura Benin coordinates and delivers Opening Doors’ key messaging through targeted campaigns, liaising with press and media, and arranging interviews, ensuring social media is on trend and promoting the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people aged over 50. In her spare time, she organises screenings of Brazilian documentaries to raise funds for grass- roots charities back home.
assessment, to ensure their sites and staff are fully equipped to confidently support this group whilst at work. Once an organisation has completed the accreditation process, LGBTQ+ over 50s can be assured that the Pride in Care quality standard guarantees that inclusive care will be provided. Our team of specialist LGBTQ+ quality advisors offer policy reviews, staff surveys, internal training, and ongoing consultancy advice. According to Professor Martin Green,
chief executive of Care England: “The Pride in Care quality standard will help people benchmark what good quality care looks like and be able to challenge any poor practice older LGBT+ people may encounter in health and social care provision.” Ezra Akar, care manager, Right at Home Greater London, who attended our course, said: “Following the Pride in Care program, our support workers feel more confident going out to LGBT+ people, which helps make those clients feel more comfortable, protected, and safe.” To make sure your organisation is
attending to the needs of this growing population, get in touch with us to discuss our quality standard and how we can support you in improving the quality of care for older LGBTQ+ people. You can find more information at
www.openingdoorslondon.
org.uk/pride-in-care-quality-standard or you can email us at prideincare@
openingdoors.lgbt.
n
Martha Margetson
From a background in events administration and film exhibition, Martha Margetson retrained during the pandemic to join Opening Doors’ team as training administrator. They are supporting the training and policy team and the delivery of the Pride in Care standard, as well as promoting the charity’s national and citywide activity. When not working at Opening Doors they are part of the programming and festival team for Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Fest.
June 2022
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